Never ran or done yoga in my life - which do I try first?

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  • dimple_gal
    dimple_gal Posts: 138 Member
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    Do both! I do both, and they are very complimentary to each other. Both are incredible stress release, and after a good yoga class, i am stretched out and ready for a run. Many of the stretches will help with common beginner running injuries, i.e. shin splints, hamstring, etc. Running doesn't prep you for yoga IMO. Yoga won't necessarily help you with weight loss. running will. In my experience, running is more mindless, yoga is more mindful. Both make you stronger in different ways. Best of luck!
  • Ws2016
    Ws2016 Posts: 432 Member
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    Yoga for the breathing discipline and stretching, both of which will help your running. And by all means do core and leg strengthening exercises for a few months before starting your running.
  • pluginkate
    pluginkate Posts: 10 Member
    edited March 2016
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    Thanks for all the comments!
    I know yoga won't burn much, that's why I want to run as well. The yoga I wanted to try more for releasing stress and improving my flexibility; I have back trouble sometimes and stiff knees. Would that prevent me from doing it?

    After some of the comments I think I'll look for a specialist yoga class that does one specifically for beginners. The class near me is at a large gym that runs all sorts of classes, so I'm not convinced now that they'd be a specialised yoga teacher. Once I've done a couple of classes elsewhere and got the hang of it I can go there perhaps, as it has the benefit of being local.

    I have a park right across the road for running in. So the verdict seems to be start yoga and running simultaneously, beginning with a yoga class and couch to 5k or similar. But also include some weight training too?
  • mbaker566
    mbaker566 Posts: 11,233 Member
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    pluginkate wrote: »
    Thanks for all the comments!
    I know yoga won't burn much, that's why I want to run as well. The yoga I wanted to try more for releasing stress and improving my flexibility; I have back trouble sometimes and stiff knees. Would that prevent me from doing it?

    After some of the comments I think I'll look for a specialist yoga class that does one specifically for beginners. The class near me is at a large gym that runs all sorts of classes, so I'm not convinced now that they'd be a specialised yoga teacher. Once I've done a couple of classes elsewhere and got the hang of it I can go there perhaps, as it has the benefit of being local.

    I have a park right across the road for running in. So the verdict seems to be start yoga and running simultaneously, beginning with a yoga class and couch to 5k or similar. But also include some weight training too?

    if you want to, go for it.
    i wouldn't worry too much about yoga. the yoga teacher should ask if you have any injuries or trouble areas and be sure to tell the teacher.
    just because it's gym yoga, doesn't mean it's less a studio yoga class. one of my yoga teachers taught also in big name gyms
  • JoRocka
    JoRocka Posts: 17,525 Member
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    michaela_g09 wrote: »
    moyer566 wrote: »
    do both.
    c25k is a great way to start running

    yoga is for every body. and every ability. tell the teacher you are new.

    i highly suggest classes first. it will help you with form and alignment. bad alignment can lead to injury

    mmmmm idk about that haha I cannot do yoga at all lol it just doesn't feel like I'm doing anything.

    you're missing the point of yoga if you feel like it's supposed to be "doing" a thing (like making you sweat- or your muscles burn)
  • CariTJR
    CariTJR Posts: 343 Member
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    I do both, as everyone has said they compliment each other brilliantly. We even do some yoga poses at my Running Club to stretch out after a run. A good yoga instructor will amend poses for beginners, so don't worry about not being able to do it it all perfectly to begin with, like anything it takes practice. For the running, just take it easy to start with, and go as slow as you need to. Good luck.

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